is ok to use wifes new make up brush to clean styius needle

Why not or why take a chance?        Ask that question on so many dimensions.  

No. It's too soft, you won't remove everything you want to remove. I use Lyra stylus cleaner and Lyra brush that comes with it.

I bought a set on clearance and the smallest looks a lot like a stylus brush I have seen online. I use it to brush dust bunnies off stylus, works great. I also have an sc2 short bristle carbon fiber brush and use majic eraser every few sides. I use the larger brush, there were 5, to wash records. It has many more bristles than a paint pad and seems to work better. I use a paint pad while rinsing.

Get the little box with sticky surface that cleans the stylus.  A soft brush will remove dust and lint that collects but does not do much to get the oils that come from your hands to the disc to the needle off with a brush.  Harder brushes, as often come with a new cartridge, can harm the tender parts and the cantiliever.  Use the cleaner and protect your stylus and immediate connections.   Chemical cleaners are available too but must be used with care.  The diamond is GLUED to the cantiliever and some cleaners can remove the glue and cause the diamond to fall off.  Using the sticky box cleaner every time keeps it pretty pristine, safe and playing great.

"Harder brushes, as often come with a new cartridge, can harm the tender parts and the cantiliever. "
A manufacturer supplies a brush to destroy its own product?Maybe if your heavy handed, and ill advised. If that’s the case, ANYTHING can ruin a cart cantilever.